At this time of year many young carers and young adult carers start to worry about upcoming exams. The pressures of juggling a caring role alongside education can feel overwhelming. However, lots of young carers and young adult carers successfully navigate the summer term and go on to achieve great things.
Here are our top study tips to help you prepare for success
1.Have a revision timetable
Draw up a timetable and stick to it as best you can, research suggests that 20-30 minutes spells Is most effective so schedule regular breaks and it can be good to revise more than one subject a day.
For Example:
9:30-10:00 – Subject 1
Break for 5 minutes
10:05-10:35 – Subject 2
Break for 5 minutes
10:40-11:10 – Subject 2
Break for 5 minute
11:15-11:45 – Subject 1
Break for lunch – 30 minutes
And only look at your phone or social media during breaks!
2.Exercise
Staying physical active is really important and will help you to concentrate when you are studying. Even going for a 30 minute fast walk will make a big difference to your wellbeing. Any physical activity that increases your heart rate will make your blood circulate faster which helps the brain to get more oxygen – this will help to reduce tiredness and stress.
3.Study space
Make sure you have a space that allows you to focus and not be distracted, some young carers have a space in their bedroom or garden that they can get away to but others use a space at school, the library, the park or a local café to ensure they are not distracted. Whatever works for you, sometimes just putting your headphones in is enough to block the rest of the world out and focus.
4.Don’t procrastinate
It’s very easy to put things off until tomorrow, or next week but don’t! Being a young carer or young adult carer can sometimes mean that life throws up unexpected events so be organised with your time, but also be realistic.
5.Engage the rainbow
Make your revision notes colourful and engaging to look at. Colourful learning maps can be really help you to remember facts.
6.Past papers
Ask your teacher for some past papers or google them. It’s helpful to familiarise yourself with how exam papers look and the style of questions asked. You can often download the mark scheme which gives you the answers, this will help you understand the level of detail you need to provide in your answers.
7.Summary notes
Making summary notes can help you to remember lots of information. Some people can read something once and remember it forever but lots of people find it easier to retain information if they make notes over and over again. Try making notes and then remove some detail to summarise the key points, you might even be able to get it down to just keywords.
8.Ask your family or friends for help
Ask people around you to test you. Give your summary notes to someone and ask them to test your knowledge. Not only will this help you to revise but it’s also a good way to have a break.
9.Reward your self
It’s not all about working hard, making sure you reward yourself and take time away from studying to relax, it will help you to stay motivated. Reward yourself for a productive day of revision by meeting up with a friend or watching your favourite programme with a pizza. Work hard, play not quite as hard!
10.Stay positive
Exams can be stressful enough don’t add any unnecessary stress or pressure. Stay calm, commit to your revision, read the questions carefully and go with your instinct. If you really want to do something you can find a way so believe in yourself and your amazing potential.
Good Luck!
